CHENNAI, 23 June 2025: In an effort to enhance the value of regional agricultural produce and support farmer incomes, the Tamil Nadu State Agricultural Marketing Board (TNSAMB) has applied for Geographical Indication (GI) tags for five distinct farm products native to the state.
According to the 2025–26 Agriculture Budget, a sum of INR 15 lakh has been allocated to support GI tag applications for Nallur Varagu millet from Cuddalore, Vedharanyam Mullai jasmine from Nagapattinam, Natham Puli tamarind, Ayakudi Koyya guava, and Kappalpatti Karumbu Murungai drumstick—all from Dindigul district.
Extensive preparatory work for these applications was carried out by the Madurai Agribusiness Incubation Forum, supported by NABARD and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). Officials from TNSAMB say that GI recognition often results in better branding, improved market access, and increased price realization for farmers.
The millet variety Nallur Varagu, cultivated in Kurinjipadi Taluk, is known for its health benefits including bone strengthening and blood sugar regulation. It has a crop duration of 90 to 100 days, and under rain-fed conditions yields up to 1,200 kg/ha, which increases to 1,400 kg/ha with improved practices.
Vedharanyam Mullai, the coastal jasmine, is prized for its fragrance and the rare ability to retain freshness for 24 hours post-harvest. It is harvested in early morning hours during its blooming season between February and September.
The Ayakudi Guava is cultivated near Palani and is known for its optimal sweetness and crisp texture, thriving in red loamy soils with high organic content.
Natham Tamarind has a naturally thick pulp, low seed content, and high tartaric acid concentration ranging from 8 to 14 percent, giving it a long shelf life.
The final crop, Kappalpatti Karumbu Murungai, resembles sugarcane in thickness and size and is cultivated across 3,500 to 5,000 acres. With a crop cycle of 90 to 100 days, it yields around 20 to 28 bundles per acre, each weighing 50 to 65 kg.
Officials emphasized that these GI applications aim to secure the identity of these crops, which are deeply rooted in Tamil Nadu’s local culture, agronomy, and climate. Farmers producing GI-tagged crops typically benefit from 15–30% higher prices due to increased consumer recognition and export potential.
The state plans to further promote these products through branding and institutional support once GI status is approved. With this initiative, Tamil Nadu continues to lead in protecting its agricultural biodiversity while boosting the economic prospects of its farming communities.
Image credit: deccanherald.com
